When you buy a vehicle, you trust that it’s safe to drive. But every year, millions of vehicles are recalled due to auto defects—some of which can cause serious injuries or even death. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a faulty airbag, braking system, fuel line, or other recalled car part, you may be entitled to file an auto defect injury lawsuit.
This guide will walk you through what to do after a car recall-related injury and how to hold automakers accountable in 2025.
What Is an Auto Defect?
An auto defect is a flaw in a vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or warning labels that makes it unreasonably dangerous. Defects can affect a specific car model, a batch of vehicles, or a particular part or system.
Common auto defects include:
- Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy explosively (e.g., Takata airbags)
- Brake failures
- Accelerator or throttle malfunctions
- Faulty seatbelts
- Electrical fires
- Engine or transmission issues
- Power steering failure
- Tire blowouts or tread separation
- Fuel system leaks
- Sudden loss of power or stalling
These defects can turn routine drives into life-threatening situations.
What Is a Car Recall?
A car recall happens when the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)determines that a vehicle or auto part has a safety-related defect. Recalls are issued to fix the issue at no cost to the consumer.
But recalls often come after accidents or injuries have already occurred. In some cases, automakers are accused of delaying recalls or downplaying known safety risks to avoid financial losses.
What If a Recalled Part Caused Your Accident?
If you were injured in an accident caused by a known or recalled defect, you may be eligible to sue the automaker or parts manufacturer for damages.
You can file an auto defect injury lawsuit if:
- You were injured or lost a loved one in a car accident
- The crash was caused or worsened by a defective or recalled component
- You can show that the defect existed before or during normal use
- You did not receive proper warning from the manufacturer or dealer
Even if you were partly at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation if the defect made your injuries worse.
Real-Life Examples of Auto Defect Cases
- Takata Airbag Lawsuits: Over 67 million airbags were recalled after causing deadly explosions. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed, resulting in billions in settlements.
- GM Ignition Switch Recall: Faulty ignition switches in GM vehicles caused sudden engine shutdowns. The defect led to 124 deaths and over $2 billion in claims.
- Ford Explorer Carbon Monoxide Leaks: Drivers reported getting sick due to toxic gas leaks. Lawsuits followed and prompted safety investigations.
- Hyundai and Kia Fire Risk Recall: Electrical issues led to spontaneous engine fires, resulting in property damage and injury claims.
These examples show that auto defect claims are serious—and often involve many affected drivers.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If your lawsuit is successful, you may be awarded compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Vehicle damage or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died in the crash)
- Punitive damages (to punish companies for gross negligence)
Depending on the injury and evidence, compensation may range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
How to File an Auto Defect Injury Lawsuit
Follow these steps to begin your legal claim:
- Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Your health is top priority. It also provides essential documentation for your claim. - Preserve the Vehicle and Parts
If possible, do not repair or dispose of the car. Store it in a secure location as physical evidence. - Check for Recalls
Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls to search your VIN and confirm if your vehicle or part has been recalled. - Document Everything
Collect the following:- Photos of the accident and injuries
- Police report
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Repair history
- Recall notices or communication from the automaker
- Speak with a Product Liability Attorney
These cases involve complex laws and big manufacturers. Choose a lawyer with experience in auto defect lawsuitsand a track record of winning against large corporations. - File Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
Every state has a deadline for filing injury lawsuits, typically 2 to 4 years from the accident date. Don’t wait.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Your lawsuit may name one or more parties, such as:
- The vehicle manufacturer (e.g., Ford, GM, Toyota)
- The parts supplier (e.g., Takata, Bosch)
- A dealership (if they sold a vehicle with a known defect)
- Third-party mechanics or aftermarket part sellers (in some cases)
Your attorney will investigate who is at fault and ensure the claim targets the correct entities.
Class Action vs. Individual Lawsuit
If the defect has harmed thousands of people, a class action lawsuit may be filed. These often result in settlement funds shared among plaintiffs.
But if your injuries are severe and unique, an individual lawsuit or joining a mass tort may be better. This allows for personalized compensation based on your specific damages.
Your attorney can advise which path gives you the best legal outcome.
Final Thoughts
Car manufacturers have a duty to keep drivers safe. When that trust is broken by defective parts or delayed recalls, injured victims have the right to demand accountability and compensation.
If you were injured by a recalled vehicle or auto defect, don’t hesitate to act. Preserving evidence, documenting your injuries, and contacting a skilled attorney are the first steps toward justice.
In 2025, automakers are still being held liable for past and present recalls. Your case could not only support your recovery—but help prevent others from being hurt the same way.